Republican Wayne Parker, who lost twice in congressional races against U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, is apparently trying for a third time. Cramer defeated Parker in the 1994 and 1996 general elections.

Cramer, a Huntsville Democrat, recently announced he was not running for a 10th term representing the 5th Congressional District.

According to his Web site, wayneparker08.com, Parker "tentatively" plans to announce his candidacy Thursday at noon at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Davidson Center for Space Exploration. There was also a fundraiser tonight at the Old Greenbrier Restaurant for Parker's campaign.

Attorney and retired engineer Ray McKee, also a Republican, has filed to run in the primary as has state Sen. Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville.

The district, which extends across the top of the state from Georgia to Mississippi, has never elected a Republican to Congress.